Quality Improvement

Strategic collaboration aims to expand treatment options, improve patient outcomes

CHICAGO (November 3, 2021) — The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) has entered into a partnership with biopharmaceutical company AstraZeneca in an effort to advance and improve lung cancer treatment and eliminate disparities in health care.

This partnership will help facilitate a series of educational programs that range from conducting advanced skills courses to helping early career surgeons design optimal clinical trials.

Longtime society efforts advance connecting clinical outcomes and claims data 

WASHINGTON, DC (October 21, 2021) — The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) and the American College of Cardiology (ACC) applaud Representatives Larry Bucshon, MD (R-IN), and Kim Schrier, MD (D-WA), for introducing the Meaningful Access to Federal Health Plan Claims Data Act of 2021.

First-of-its-kind study examines the impact of ‘sham feeding’ on patient recovery

CHICAGO (September 10, 2021) — Chewing gum after heart surgery may kickstart the digestive tract, helping patients feel better and potentially be discharged sooner than those who don't use this generally safe and simple intervention, according to research presented today at the 18th Annual Perioperative and Critical Care Conference from The Society of Thoracic Surgeons.

Study shows ERAS program with multidisciplinary team leads to significant patient benefits 

**A recorded press briefing featuring this research is available.**

New gender-directed strategies are needed to treat acute aortic dissection, experts say

CHICAGO (June 2, 2021) — Women who experience acute aortic dissection—a spontaneous and catastrophic tear in one of the body’s main arteries—not only are older and have more advanced disease than men when they seek medical care, but they also are more likely to die, according to research published online today in The Annals of Thoracic Surgery.